On the straight and narrow path, there are simply no corners to be cut.

Patience helps us to view imperfections in others more generously to the end that we may learn to be more wise than they have been.

Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions-only variations.

Satan delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan. There is no such thing in heaven.

The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we 'give' are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us.

Comparatively, we are so much quicker to return favors and to pay our debts to mortals - and we should be responsive and grateful. But what of Him who gave us mortal life itself, who will ere long give us all immortality, and who proffers to the faithful the greatest gift of all, eternal life? We are poor bookkeepers, indeed!

Thus worshiping, serving, studying, praying, each in its own way squeezes selfishness out of us; pushes aside our preoccupations with the things of the world.